Album Review: Eves Karydas - summerskin

Mature and evocative, summerskin is more of an album than most collections of tunes we are treated to these days. A sense of rhythm and consistency shine through these songs.

Couch is an undeniable banger; imagine if the Iggy Azalea breakout Fancy was a sophisticated pop anthem about gathering up the courage to make the first move on a cute guy. It stutters along with our nerves and our insecurities as we consider how best to make the approach – fast/slow, loud/quiet, urgent/relaxed. A big tune, and a compelling study in contrasts. Honest is driven by a grand, orchestral swell. Balance could be a ten-year-old Roisin Murphy joint such is Karydas’ command of her surroundings. First Love is a rumbling drama worthy of the name – one of the most dramatic moments in a young life. But this is more than the sum of a bunch of component parts.

What Karydas has created on her debut album is a truly curated experience. This is not a loose assembly of reflections or a couple of solid ideas thrown together. summerskin has a beating heart. It sings intricately of love and the little worlds we build for ourselves. Engaging and impressive stuff.